Analyze the interplay between faith, obedience, and divine protection in the story of Mirikar and the snake.

The story of Mirikar and the snake from Chapter 22 provides a deep analysis of the relationship between faith, obedience, and divine protection. Initially, Mirikar exhibits a lack of complete faith by questioning Baba's instruction to take Madhavrao with him. However, a doubt arises in his mind, prompting him to reconsider and ultimately obey. This act of obedience becomes the channel for his protection. Baba's words, "as is one’s faith, so is the resulting fruit," underscore this principle. He also remarks, "if the children turn out to be faithless, how can she protect them?" referring to Dwarkamai. This suggests that while the Guru's protective grace is ever-present, the devotee's faith and obedience are necessary to fully receive it. Mirikar's experience serves as an advanced lesson that true safety lies in surrendering one's own judgment to the Guru's command.